Gelles Racing first to get V6 in North America

Front Royal, Virginia - Gelles Racing, the oldest team in Formula Renault in North America, will take delivery of the first Formula Renault V-6 this weekend. While the second phase of the FR2000 Winter Invitational series is taking place in Homestead, Race Team Promotions takes great pride in unveiling the V6 Renault single seater that will come to North America in 2005 as the North America Formula Renault V-6 series.

"It is only fitting that Gelles Racing take delivery of the 1st Formula Renault V-6 in North America, as Bob Gelles has been a staunch supporter of the Formula Renault products since 2002. They currently own eight Formula Renault 2000 chassis. Gelles was the first team to own a Formula Renault 2000 in North America and continues their support by being the first V-6 team in North America" said John Kolody.

An exciting car

Rodolfo "Lolo" Perdomo, Gelles team engineer, is very excited to begin testing with the new V-6 in preparation for the 2005 North American Formula Renault Championship in the V-6 format. "This is fantastic news and allows our team drivers to become familiar with the car and gain experience beyond the other teams, certainly giving Gelles Racing a distinct advantage" says Lolo.

The Formula Renault V-6 series commenced in 2003 in Europe designated as the Euro-Cup and is scheduled to come to North America in 2005. Photos, features and specifications of the car are available on-line on the series web site at www.RaceTeamPromotions.com

Next Tuesday afternoon, Gustavo Sondermann will launch V6 testing with a 30-lap session by virtue of his Winter series second round victory in Sebring while second driver Michael Yager will get a 10-lap session. The Formula Renault V6 is loaded with Formula One features: a Tatuus carbon fiber monocoque chassis coupled to a 370 hp Renault V6, a six-speed semi-automatic gearbox, Magnetti Marelli management, carbon brakes and steering wheel with integral dashboard.

One seat available for 2004

Finally, Gelles is seeking a properly funded driver for the 2004 North America Formula Renault Championship in order to complete their three-car effort to win the championship. Gelles Racing has already contracted Brazilian Sondermann, 21, and American Yager, 18, to compete in the 2004 Formula Renault series that will start in Phoenix in early April.

-www.GellesRacing.com